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Microbus Headed for Production
Volkswagen AG officially announced that the Microbus will be put into
production with a targeted release in 2005. Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder,
Chairman of the Board of Management Volkswagen AG, said: "Having
reviewed the economic requirements for building the Microbus in the Group,
we have come to the conclusion that, based on the 5000 x 5000 project
and a thorough restructuring of the Hanover site, the conditions are good."
The 5000 x 5000 project refers to a unique plan whereby Volkswagen will
employ 5,000 people for a gross wage of DM 5,000.
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| The New Microbus team |
Volkswagen claims it has its sites set on a new segment - "a MPV
combining striking design and high functionality with the comfort of a
limousine. Dr. Pischetsrieder emphasised that "with the Microbus,
a legend begun some 50 years ago when the first VW bus left the production
line here is now returning to Hanover. The VW bus was never just a means
of transport, it has always been an emotive cult object. The public's
reaction at motor shows combined with the findings of market studies already
show us that the Microbus design has a spontaneous appeal, and that the
vehicle will follow in the footsteps of its successful predecessor."
This announcement ends months of speculation surrounding the actual decision
to build the Microbus. Dr. Pischetsrieder was reportedly a Microbus supporter
but platform considerations made it difficult to move forward. In the
U.S. market the Minivan segment is largely dominated by car-based platform
minivans, whereas building the Microbus in Hanover dictates using a truck
platform. Indeed it will be interesting to see how Volkswagen manages
to remove the truck-like character of the T5 commercial platform the Microbus
will be built on along with the higher costs of building the vehicle in
Hanover versus other locations.
Volkswagen is shooting for a 2005 model year introduction of the Microbus
and expects to sell approximately 100,000 units per year, largely in the
U.S. market.
VW Vortex
all Volkswagen Group communications
and photos reproduced with permission of Volkswagen UK
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